Obituary of Branko Sucic

Branko Sucic

March 9, 1936 - April 14, 2023

Hvaljen Isus I Marija …

Can’t start Branko’s story any other way as Branko always entered with this greeting.  

Born on March 9, 1936 in Livno Bosnia Croatia, Branko Sucic passed away preacefully on April 14, 2023.In Branko’s 87 years he lived in Croatia, Australia and Canada.  Blessed with an adventurous spirit he was always moving and looking towards the next journey. His story begins in the hills of Livno where, as a little boy; he herded sheep up the slopes.  At the age of two there was an exodus for farmland, and the family moved to Slavkovci.  This began a life-long love of outdoors and in the rituals of farming life that continued with him throughout all his adventures. It was also where he began his … you can do anything… motto in life.  Which later in life translated into his famous words … Just do it! At 22, he made a big choice to leave Croatia and family in 1958.  Suitcases in hand, stumbling in the darkness and stepping towards the unknown, he and his bride made their way to Italy to escape the communism in their beloved country.  For more; for a better life. He took with him his love of Croatia.  A relentless determination to never forget our culture, the beautiful country and way of life.  In other words, he carried in his heart, his motto in life … Za Dom Spremni! In 1959, adventure took a path with an ocean voyage to Australia.  And the first thing was always to find the Croatian Church and become a part of the community. In Australia, he did everything from sheep shearing, dam building, learning English & how to drive, starting a family, building houses … just do it! He took these life skills to Canada in 1970.  Where, as always, he continued his service to church and country. Becoming well known in London as the self appointed ‘Cookman’ of pig roasts.  He fed the entire community and that made him happy. He is one of the many Croatian trail blazers, who continued our way of life in foreign lands without ever forgetting where they came from.  This is your story, our story, his story. To serve Croatia is what Branko lived for … Za Dom Spremni!

Branko leaves behind his family and legacy. Loving Tata of Marijana, Ivanka, Nikola, Branka (Matt). Cherished Dida of Mate & Tomislav Rukavina, Damian & Adrian Gilmour, Corrado & Daphne Sucic, Lucas & Austin Young and Pradjed of Athena & Rhea & Draco Gilmour. Branko will be dearly missed by Vinka Sucic, as well as extended family in Croatia and Canada.

Visitors are welcome to John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo Street on Monday, April 17, 2023 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Prayers at 8:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at St. Leopold Mandic Croatian Catholic Church, 2889 Westminster Drive, at 10:00 am. Entombment to follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery. If desired, memorial donations made to St. Leopold Mandic Croatian Catholic Church would be greatly appreciated.